Ancient peoples created myths to help explain the world around them-creation, death and the underworld, seasons and agriculture, natural disasters, class structure in society, and commerce. Myths Understood features important myths from different ancient cultures and describes the roles and relationships of the gods that were the foundation of their religions. Understanding Norse Myths explores the roles and relationships of the heroes and gods in ancient Norse myths and legends. Several ancient myths, including "Odin's Magical Horse," "Thor Goes Fishing," and "Sigurd the Dragon Slayer," are retold, describing how these stories helped people in early Scandinavia interpret their world. Book jacket.